Animal Farm Study Guide Chapters 6-9

Chapter 6:

What did Napoleon decide to do in order to get supplies for the windmill?
He decides to engage in trade with humans, selling timber and eggs to obtain supplies.

Which seasons pass in this chapter (being chapter 6)?
Autumn and winter pass in chapter 6.

Who is Mr. Whymper and what does he do?
He is a solicitor who acts as the intermediary between Animal Farm and the outside world.

Why do human beings hate Animal Farm? Why do they respect it?
They hate it because it threatens their control over their own workers, but they respect its efficiency and success.

How have the Seven Commandments changed?
They are subtly altered to justify the pigs' actions, such as sleeping in beds and drinking alcohol.

How is Snowball used as a scapegoat?
He is blamed for all problems on the farm, including the destruction of the windmill.

How much work are the animals now doing, and how are they forced to work more and harder?
They work 60-hour weeks and are forced to work harder under the threat of reduced rations.

How is the windmill destroyed? Why does Napoleon blame Snowball?
It is destroyed by a storm, but Napoleon blames Snowball to maintain his power.

Do the animals believe he is responsible for the windmill? Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
Yes, the animals believe it because they are manipulated by Napoleon’s propaganda. No, it is not believable because Snowball was already exiled.

Chapter 7:

How will Napoleon get more grain for Animal Farm?
He plans to sell timber and increase trade with humans.

What did the hens do to protest the selling of their eggs?
They smashed their eggs by dropping them from the rafters.

Napoleon forced the hens to end their protest by doing what?
He starves them until several die, forcing the rest to give in.

Squealer accuses Snowball of what?
Working with Jones and being a traitor from the start.

When the dogs attack Boxer, he looks at Napoleon to see if he should kill the dog. Why does Boxer do this?
He is loyal to Napoleon and looks for his approval before acting.

What happens after the four pigs and many other animals confess their crimes?
They are executed by Napoleon’s dogs.

What is the animals’ reaction to the executions?
They are horrified and confused but believe it must be necessary.

Why are these most recent killings worse than when Jones controlled the farm?
Because animals are now killing each other, which goes against the principles of Animalism.

Why does Squealer say that the song “Beasts of England” is abolished?
He claims it is no longer needed because the rebellion is complete.

Why do you think no animals helped the hens during the protest?
They were too scared of Napoleon and the consequences of rebellion.

What things are blamed on Snowball in Chapter VII? Do you think these accusations are true? Why or why not?
The destruction of the windmill, food shortages, and other misfortunes. No, they are not true because Snowball is being used as a scapegoat.

Do the animals believe Squealer when he accuses Snowball of being a traitor? Why or why not?
Yes, most of them believe it because they are constantly manipulated by propaganda.

Do you believe that Squealer really has secret documents that prove Snowball was a traitor? What is your evidence?
No, there are no real documents; it is a lie to control the animals.

How is it an example of foreshadowing when Squealer gives a “very ugly look at Boxer”?
It foreshadows that Boxer will eventually become a threat to Napoleon’s rule.

What is Boxer’s solution to the bloodshed (killing, violence) and what does this say about Boxer?
His solution is to work harder, showing his loyalty and naivety.

Chapter 8:

Frederick gives Napoleon forged money and Pilkington refuses to help him. Which of Napoleon's actions may have made the farmers behave this way towards him?
Napoleon tried to play Frederick and Pilkington against each other, making neither trust him.

What makes the battle against Frederick’s men different from the Battle of the Cowshed?
The animals suffer greater losses, and the humans are more violent and destructive.

How is Napoleon becoming more and more like a typical dictator?
He uses fear, propaganda, and violence to maintain power, gives himself special privileges, and rewrites history.

The animals celebrate a victory, but at what cost? What happened to the animals during the battle?
Many animals are killed or injured, and the windmill is destroyed again.

Describe the whisky incident. Why would Orwell make this scene a little humorous?
The pigs get drunk for the first time and suffer hangovers. Orwell adds humor to show their hypocrisy and to satirize corrupt leaders.

Chapter 9:

Why must rations be reduced again?
Because resources are scarce, but the pigs continue to take more for themselves.

Why did the hens have so few chicks?
Because their food was so limited, many eggs failed to hatch.

What privileges do the pigs now enjoy?
They drink alcohol, wear ribbons on Sundays, and have better food.

How was the president of the new Republic elected?
Napoleon is the only candidate and is elected unanimously.

How did the pigs use Boxer’s death to get the animals to work harder?
They claim his dying words were "Napoleon is always right," using his loyalty to inspire others to work harder.